#GiveFirst

Time is one of the most valuable and scarce resources that we have.

So why do we often give it away?

Last night I asked everyone in attendance at our publicly held Detroit Startup Week (#DETSW18) volunteer meeting (held each Wednesday night) to post on social why they give their time and talents to our mission.

Here's why I #GiveFirst...

In college, I lost my way. I was becoming something I hated.

My entire family left the state in the wake of the economic crisis in 2008. For a brief period, I was living out of my truck with my girl, a big brown stray dog, Bear.

I was going down the wrong path and didn't have the confidence to course correct.

I learned from a friend that Central Michigan University was holding a business pitch competition with a grand prize of $500.

At that time my bank account had just dipped negative and was getting worse with the bank fees every single day.

I remember getting all geared up for the competition. I practiced every single hour that I could, even waking up at 3:30 am the day of the competition to practice for hours in the community clubhouse at University Meadows to perfect my delivery.

This was my moment to turn things around. To prove to the world, and myself, that I was capable of accomplishing something good.

Then I quit.

Screw this. I wasn't going to win anyway and would just end up embarrassing myself.

I felt like an imposter. A failure. Defeated.

Then a moment happened that changed the trajectory of my life. Something simple yet powerful.

That morning I had a computer science class with Dr. Robert Miller.

I was a terrible student in college. I gave the bare minimum to get by and only bought a required book when a professor threatened to kick me out of class if I didn't.

Dr. Miller approached me as I was packing up my things to leave class that morning. I was exhausted from getting up so early and really didn't want to deal with him.

He looked at me and shared his excitement about watching me pitch later that night.

Huh?

How did he even know about it? I never shared that with him.

Why did he even care? I'm a terrible student, I thought. Why the hell are you going to spend your evening with a student who has shown minimal interest in your class?

10 years ago that moment changed the game for me.

One person's belief in me gave me the courage when I struggled to locate it myself. 

I was nervous. 

I remember there being dozens of those 5-min pitches. I identified at least 8 that I believed were far better than what I was capable of doing. 

Sitting in a windowless room in the college of business that was obviously built well before I was born, my name was called to pitch.

I don't remember much about my speech to be quite honest. I can't remember how I felt I did.

To be honest, I remember being excited to just sit back down. I really just showed up because my professor said he was going to be there to support. I may be a bad student, but I'm not an ass :) If he is going to support me on this then I the least I can do is show up.

A single moment 10 years ago. One professor whom I don't even think knows how he impacted my world. One man who gave me the courage just by speaking it into me and showing up.

That's why I believe in Detroit Startup Week. That's why I sacrifice hundreds of hours each year to help provide a platform to the thousands of entrepreneurs who need help and deserve a community to encourage them on their journey.

That's why I #GiveFirst.

That's why I serve the 10,000+ attendees that we estimate will engage in at least one of the 200+ programs that take place from June 18th - 22nd.

Sitting in that old musty room at CMU a decade ago, I remember feeling so far outside my comfort zone. I reflect back now recognizing how badly I needed to grow.

Laid back in my chair I thought about how lucky I would be to get 3rd place and a gift card to BDubs (I was so hungry after my pitch).

But I didn't win 3rd place. I felt the small shred of ignorant hope flee when they didn't announce my name for second place either.

Defeated and embarrassed, I stood up to leave in hopes of avoiding Dr. Miller on my way out. 

Then they called my name as my back was facing the podium an arm's length away from the door of the auditorium.

I won.

More importantly, I had a new found confidence that has served me for the last 10 years.

I hope to pour into YOU during this incredible event coming in June. I hope you find something that you need from the amazing speakers, workshops, networking and more.

Our aim is to build resiliency in the people looking to make the world a better place, and are crazy enough to believe that they can.

#GiveFirst #KeepHustling #Believe #DETSW18

Ps - None of this is possible for me without the love and support of my wife, Katelynn Smith. You sacrifice so much for this community by allowing me to give my time and truly believing in our mission. I'm not doing my life's work without you telling me I can do it. I love you.